Washington State University Visitor Center in Pullman by Olson Kundig

Article source: Olson Kundig

Located on the west edge of the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington, the Visitor Center is the new gateway for students and guests to the university. The Visitor Center provides campus information, an overview of student culture, alumni history, and information about WSU research initiatives and achievements.

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

• Architects: Olson Kundig
• Project: Washington State University Visitor Center
• Location: Pullman, Washington, USA
• Photography: Benjamin Benschneider
  
• Project Team: Alan Maskin, Design Principal; Steven Rainville, AIA, LEED^Ò AP, Design Collaborator; Marlene Chen, AIA, LEED^Ò AP, Project Manager; Derek Santo, Project Architect
• Key Consultants: Sellen Construction, General Contractor; KPFF, Structural and Civil Engineer; WSP Flack + Kurtz, Mechanical, Electrical & Lighting; Sellen Sustainability, Sustainability Consultant; Berger Partnership, Landscape Architect
• Size: 4,227 SF
• Completed: 2013

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

The 4,277 square-foot building serves as a showcase for the wide-ranging activities that make up the university. The building design features a number of materials largely developed at WSU, and is a place for visitors to discover first-hand, the significant research contributions WSU has made to the construction industry. Included among these materials are cross-laminated timber, oriented strand board, and Pine beetle kill wood. Exhibits throughout the facility highlight WSU’s achievements in global animal health, food and agriculture, and clean technologies. Inside, interpretive interactives display the diverse talents that have emerged and continue to be fostered in this unique land grant institution that is Washington State University.

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Fifteen-foot-tall W-S-U concrete letters mark the west end of the building and help support the large overhanging roof that rests above the glass pavilion. Supporting the opposite end of the pavilion roof is a forty-foot-tall, one-inch-thick steel plate tower, reminiscent of the historic Bryan Tower at the heart of campus. Composed of two curved and tapered lunettes, the two segments are pulled apart to provide an aperture for light and to admit entry. The tower glows with a white light at night, serving as a beacon of WSU spirit. On special occasions the light glows with the school’s color—crimson.

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Image Courtesy © Benjamin Benschneider

Tags: USA, Washington

Category: Visitor Center

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